Method and system for distributing and transporting large numbers of items

ABSTRACT

Items to be distributed and transported are separated into at least two categories, based on the shape of the items. Distribution and transportation functions are performed within a system comprising a plurality of Origin Facility/Destination Facility and Network Control Points, with each ODF being assigned to a single NCP. Each ODF, in turn, is assigned one or more geographic area. Items arrive at an ODF, are distributed and then transported to the assigned NCP for further distribution, and then transported to a second ODF for final distribution.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority to provisional application No. 60/453,748, filed Mar. 10, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to systems and methods for the efficient transportation of objects from an origination point to a destination point including, more particularly, methods and systems for transporting and distributing large numbers of items, including for example mail items, from an origination point to a destination point.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In fiscal year 2000, the United States Postal Service delivered approximately 208 billion pieces of mail. The average daily volume of mail delivered during fiscal year 2000 was 500 million pieces.

[0004] At present, the process of delivering the mail is a relatively complicated one. That process can be broken down into two components: (a) transportation and (b) distribution. The term “transportation” as used herein is intended to refer to the nodes and routes, which define the flow of mail (or other objects) between plants/processing facilities (or other sorting points). Transportation includes the inter-plant transportation network and the plant to delivery unit networks. (A delivery unit is a post office, station or branch that has mail delivery functions to the point of final delivery for a mail item.) It does not include activity within the plants themselves.

[0005] The term “distribution” as used herein refers to the combination of equipment, processes and plants that sort mail (or other objects). Distribution generally takes place between the point at which originating mail is picked up from its point of origin and the point at which it reaches its point of final delivery. The distribution of mail is assisted by the use of five and preferably nine digit ZIP codes, which refer to defined geographic areas.

[0006] It must also be noted that mail items come in varying shapes. Examples of current mail shapes include flat-size, letter-size, parcels, and outsides. Currently, plants process more or less all shapes of mail. However, because mail-processing equipment is generally shape-specific; i.e., can only process one shape of mail item, it is inefficient to locate in each plant every type of processing equipment. Nevertheless, currently, transportation of mail is organized according to mail class, rather than according to mail shape.

[0007] A need continually exists to improve and further optimize the transportation and distribution process where a large number of objects must be processed, including particularly in one example a large number of mail objects. Such improvement should rely, among other things, on the use of shape-based criteria in organizing the transportation of mail items (or the like) between plants and their distribution within plants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a flow-style chart illustrating the flow of letters and flats according to an embodiment of a method and system consistent with the present invention, treating separately non-turnaround mail and turnaround mail.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a flow-style chart illustrating the flow of parcels and Priority mail according to an embodiment of a method and system consistent with the present invention, treating separately non-turnaround mail and turnaround mail.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a flow-style chart illustrating the flow of parcels and Priority mail according to an embodiment of a method and system consistent with the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a map illustrating assignments of multiple geographic areas to a single ODF.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a map illustrating assignments of multiple ODFs to a single NCP.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a map of an NCP network, comprising a plurality of NCP's, each linked to its ODFs, with routes between NCPs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] This invention is concerned with a system and method for the efficient distribution and transportation of objects from an origination point to a destination point. Preferably, the objects pass through at least one intermediate sorting point, and are there sorted so as to aid in the efficient transportation of the objects through the system. In one embodiment, the objects are mail pieces. However, other, non-mail objects, could also be transported from an origination point to a destination point using the system and method of the present invention.

[0015] The system and method of the present invention is intended to accommodate the transportation and, in one embodiment, the distribution, of extremely large numbers of objects. In one preferred embodiment, the system and method may be used in the efficient transportation and distribution of extremely large numbers of mail items.

[0016] A number of specialized terms shall be used in the description of the system and method of the present invention. First, with respect to mail types, the following definitions apply:

[0017] (a) “Flat” generally refers to flat-size mail. It may include mail that is within the dimensions of 15 inches long, 12 inches high, and ¾ of an inch thick;

[0018] (b) “Letter” generally refers to letter-size mail. It may include mail that is within the dimensions of 11 and {fraction (1/2)} inches long, 6 and {fraction (1/8)} inches high, and {fraction (1/4)} inch thick;

[0019] (c) “Parcel” generally refers to mail items that are outside the dimensions of Flats and Letters, yet that still fit within a mail sack or container; and

[0020] (d) “Priority”—generally refers to mail items for which expedited treatment is required.

[0021] It should be noted that, with respect to size, the terms “flat,” “letter,” and “parcel” are exemplary only. In essence, when dealing with a plurality of differently-sized items to be shipped, a “flat” may represent any established first size for an item to be shipped, a “letter” may represent any established second size for an item to be shipped, and a “parcel” represents any established third size for an item to be shipped. It should be noted further that there can be any desired number of established sizes of items to be shipped, with each established size being defined based on the particular items to be shipped. The actual sizes for each class can be varied as desired.

[0022] In a similar vein, the term “priority” represents any established expediting service for the shipment of items to be shipped, utilizing the method hereof with respect to particular items to be shipped. The actual duration of such expediting service can be varied as desired.

[0023] It should be noted that other criteria could be utilized to allocate distribution among facilities of items that are to be shipped, including for example package color, health and/or safety considerations, etc.

[0024] Other specialized terms used herein include the following:

[0025] (a) Origin Facility/Destination Facility (“ODF”)—the initial recipients of mail collection, and from which mail will be processed for transport to delivery units. Initial and final sorting of mail occurs at an ODF for all turnaround mail (network bound mail receives its initial sort at the ONCP). As shown in FIG. 4, ODFs (represented by an upright triangle) receive mail from delivery units within designated geographic areas (represented by circles). (For purposes of the United States Postal Service, the geographic areas are identified according to three digit ZIP CODE areas, though other means for identifying particular geographic areas can be utilized.) Preferably, each geographic area (e.g., each three digit zip code area) is assigned to only one ODF. ODFs will typically receive mail from more than one three digit zip code area, but in some cases it may receive may from only one three digit zip code area. Zip codes are assigned to NCPs based upon least cost network design while meeting constraints such as the geographical distance between zips and ODFs, mail volumes (workload), and available facility capacity.

[0026] (b) Network Control Point or “NCP”—The NCP is the facility that performs the initial network sort for originating mail items after they have been initially received by the ODF where they were mailed, and before they are finally sorted at the ODF where it will be delivered. ODFs are assigned to NCPs based upon least cost network design while meeting constraints such as the geographical distance between ODFs and NCPs, mail volumes (workload) and available facility capacity. (The ODFs assigned to a particular NCP can be located in different states, counties, etc.) FIG. 5 illustrates the assignment of a plurality of ODFs to a single NCP (represented by a larger, inverted triangle). As shown in FIG. 5, preferably, each ODF is assigned to a single NCP that is not co-located within the same facility. On the other hand, generally and as shown in FIG. 6, Each NCP (represented by a large triangle) will receive mail from several ODFs (represented by smaller triangles), with each NCP maintaining transport connectivity throughout the network with other NCP's—though not with ODFs other than those that have been assigned to them. In some cases, it may be necessary to co-locate an NCP and one of its assigned ODFs within the same facility or campus of facilities.

[0027] (c) Originating Network Control Point, or “ONCP” and Destinating Network Control Point, or “DNCP”—These come into play where an NCP receives mail from an ODF that is destined for a different ODF that may or may not be part of the NCP's service area. In such instance, the first NCP provides the network piece-sortation for all destinating ODFs consistent with its role as an Originating NCP, or ONCP. Where mail is destined for an ODF that is not part of the ONCP's service area, the mail is containerized and transported from the ONCP to the NCP assigned to the particular ODF where the mail is destined. In such instance, the second NCP is the Destinating NCP, or DNCP.

[0028] (d) Intermediate Network Control Point, or “INCP”—If there is no direct transport link between the ONCP and the DNCP, the mail will be sent to an intermediate NCP, or INCP. The INCP acts as a transportation hub between the ONCP and the DNCP. Every NCP will function as an ONCP and a DNCP depending upon whether the mail is originating or destinating at one of its ODFs. Additionally, every NCP has the ability to provide INCP functionality for the purpose of transportation cost short-cutting. Such INCP functionality may include build/bulk, cross-dock, and/or break-bulk operations.

[0029] Furthermore, it is intended that a particular INCP network (subset of all NCPs) will be defined for the purpose of providing a higher-level of dropship entry points. It is expected that this INCP subset will lessen the need for sacks as a mail prep resource within the network and will encourage further workshare opportunities.

[0030] (e) Origin air mail center, or “OAMC”, and destination air mail center, or DAMC—Where there is no efficient ground transportation route between an ONCP and a DNCP, either directly or through an INCP, mail is shipped by air. In this instance, mail travels from an ONCP to an origin air mail center, or OAMC. At the OAMC, the mail is placed on air transportation to the destination AMC, or DAMC. From the DAMC, the mail is sent to the DNCP. Each NCP is assigned to one and only one AMC. Every AMC is both an OAMC and a DAMC, depending on whether the mail is originating or destinating at one of its NCP's.

[0031] (f) “Turnaround”—refers to mail items whose origin and destination are both within a particular ODF's geographic area (e.g., three digit ZIP CODE area).

[0032] (g) “Plant Load” and “Drop Shipment”—In some instances, preliminary sorting is conducted by a private actor, and preliminarily sorted mail items may be delivered in large volume by the private actor into the system. Typically, a large volume shipment that is delivered to an originating ODF or an ONCP is regarded as a plant load. A large volume shipment that is delivered to a destination ODF, an INCP, or a DNCP is regarded as a drop shipment.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms ODF, NCP and the like, as used herein, are exemplary only, and that other terms may be utilized to describe facilities that perform the functions described herein.

[0034] The ODF and the NCP are primarily distinguished by their location within the network and the different types of distribution that occurs therein (i.e., initial and final sorting at the ODF, and intermediate/initial network sorting at the NCP). The ODFs and the NCPs to which they are assigned have present therein automated processing equipment of a type suitable for the processing of items having an established physical shape. For example, all ODFs specialize in the distribution of both “letters” and “flats,” whereas an NCP specializes in the distribution of “bundles” and “parcels” while providing a supporting role in the network distribution of “letters” and “flats.” In other words, the assignment of ODFs to NCPs takes into consideration product “shape,” the geographical area in which the ODFs and NCPs are located, and the proximity of ODFs to their respectively assigned NCPs. Typically, the predominant “shape” criteria for ODF role assignments will be Letters and Flats, which represent the largest percentage of mail items within a typical mail system. The predominant shape criteria for NCP role assignments will be Bundles and Parcels. Seen in this light, the system described herein is “shape-based.”

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, one possible path of mail items (in this example Letters and Flats) through ODF and NCP facilities, consistent with the system and method of the present invention, is shown. Initially, items enter a particular ODF (identified as the “OF” in the drawing figure), according to the originating geographic area (e.g., three digit ZIP code area) for the item. The items are then separated as between turnaround (also referred to as “local”) and non-turnaround, with turnaround mail being origin and destination processed within the OF.

[0036] For Letters and Flats that are turnaround, the OF will perform origin processing. This will include, preferably, cancellation, outgoing primary, incoming primary, incoming secondary and DPS. It will also perform all image lift resolution. Non-turnaround Letters and Flats are then transported from the OF to an ONCP for the purpose of receiving network distribution to the DF sort level and subsequent container and transport consolidation. The ONCP may also directly receive Plant Loads.

[0037] Some mail items may go directly from an ONCP to a destination ODF or “DF,” depending on the destinating geographic area (e.g., three digit ZIP code) for particular items, while others will continue to a DNCP, before continuing on to a DF. (As discussed above, in some instances, it may be necessary for mail items to be transported from an ONCP to an INCP and then on to a DNCP. Air shipment between the ONCP and DNCP, through an OAMC and a DAMC, may also be necessary.) As shown in FIG. 1, the DNCP may also receive Drop Shipments.

[0038] From the DNCP, Letters and Flats are transported to a DF for destination processing, where the DF is selected based on the destination geographic area (e.g., three digit ZIP code) for the particular mail items. The DF, like the DNCP, may also receive Drop Shipments. As such, non-turnaround Letters and Flats receive piece-sortation at only ONCPs and DFs.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the processing of turnaround Parcels and Priority is the same as for turnaround Letters and Flats—i.e., all origin and destination processing occurs in the OF/DF. Non-turnaround Parcel and Priority items will follow a similar transportation path as Letters and Flats, except that piece processing will occur strictly within NCP facilities having automated processing equipment for these physical shapes as discussed above. In other words and by way of example, within a particular geographic area, it will be preferred to have an ODF for Letters and Flats, and a corresponding NCP for Parcels and Priority mail that contains automated processing equipment for the corresponding physical shape. Since NCPs may be assigned multiple ODFs, the geographic service area covered by an NCP is equal to the sum of the service areas covered by its respectively assigned ODFs.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, another illustration of mail flow through an embodiment of the system and method described herein is presented. Mail items within particular geographic areas (identified here as OZIP1, OZIP2 and OZIP3) and having a particular shape are assigned to a single OF. Turnaround, or “local” mail, is origin and destination processed at the OF, while non-local mail continues to the assigned ONCP. The OF and the ONCP can each receive Plant Loads.

[0041] The ONCP conducts intermediate processing, and then transports the mail items to a DNCP for subsequent transportation to a DF. Transportation may also occur directly from the ONCP to the DF, or by way of an INCP. The DNCP and DF can each receive Drop Shipments.

[0042] While, in a preferred embodiment, the system and method of the present invention may be utilized for the transportation and distribution of mail items, it should be understood that it could be used for the transportation and distribution of non-mail items as well. In the event of such application, certain substitutions to the elements of the method and system of the present invention will be made, as necessary, to permit use with non-mail items. 

I claim:
 1. A method for efficiently transporting and distributing items from an originating point to a destinating point comprising the steps of: for items to be shipped from an originating point to a destination point, establishing at least a first shape category and a second shape category, into which said items to be shipped are separated; providing a plurality of ODFs; assigning to each of said plurality of ODFs a plurality of delivery units within at least one geographic area; receiving at one said ODF a plurality of said items within said first shape category; origin distributing, at said first ODF, said items that are within said first shape category; providing a plurality of NCPs; assigning to each of said plurality of NCPs at least one ODF; transporting from one said ODF to one said NCP items that are within said first shape category; initial network sorting, at said NCP, said items that are within said first shape category; receiving at a second ODF said plurality of said items within said first shape category that have been initial network sorted at said NCP; final distributing at said second ODF said plurality of said items within said first shape category that have been intermediate distributed at said NCP.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: transporting from said one NCP to a second said NCP said items that are within said first shape category; transporting from said second NCP to said second ODF said items that are within said first shape category.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: at said first ODF, separating said items into two groups, with the first group comprising turnaround items having a destination within one said geographic area assigned to said first ODF and the second group comprising items having a destination outside of all geographic areas assigned to said first ODF; final distributing at said first ODF said items in said first group; transporting said items in said first group from said first ODF to at least one delivery unit in at least one said geographic area assigned to said first ODF; initial distributing at said first ODF said items in said second group; transporting said items in said second group to one said NCP.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of air mail centers; assigning to each air mail center at least one and preferably a plurality of NCPs; ground transporting items from one said NCP to a first air mail center wherein said first air mail center is its assigned air mail center; air transporting said items from said first air mail center to a second air mail center; and ground transporting said items from said second air mail center to a second said NCP wherein said second NCP is assigned to said second air mail center.
 5. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: transporting from said second NCP to a third said NCP said items that are within said first shape category; and transporting from said third NCP to said second ODF said items that are within said first shape category.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: receiving at said first ODF at least one plant load containing items in said first shape category; and transporting said plant load from said first ODF to said NCP.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving at said NCP at least one plant load; wherein said plant load has not passed through said first ODF.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: receiving at said NCP at least one drop shipment containing items in said first shape category; and transporting said drop shipment from said NCP to said second ODF.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: receiving at said second ODF a drop shipment containing items; wherein said drop shipment has not passed through an NCP or a first ODF; final distributing at said second ODF said items in said drop shipment; transporting said items in said drop shipment to at least one delivery unit in at least one said geographic area assigned to said second ODF.
 10. A system for efficiently transporting and distributing items from an originating point to a destinating point comprising, in combination: a plurality of ODFs; wherein each said ODF has assigned thereto a plurality of delivery units within at least one geographic area; wherein each said ODF has distribution equipment therein for origin distribution of items within a first shape category; a plurality of NCPs; wherein each said NCP has at least one said ODF assigned thereto so that said items within said first shape category are transported from one said ODF to one said NCP to which said ODF is assigned; wherein each said NCP has distribution equipment therein for initial network sorting of items with a first shape category.
 11. The system of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of air mail centers; wherein each said air mail center has assigned thereto at least one NCP so that said items within said first shape category are transported from one said NCP to one said air mail center to which said NCP is assigned. 